The 2006 El Corazon de Jonata (39% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Sangiovese, and the rest Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Viognier) is a 1,000-case cuvee that will be bottled in a few months. Profound, sexy aromas of smoked duck, soy, blackberries, pepper, and a hint of spring flowers are followed by an exotic, full-bodied, voluptuously textured wine bursting with complexity and richness. A subtle smoky, meaty component is present in the deep, dark blackberry flavors. Long, rich, and pure, this stunning 2006 should drink beautifully for 10-15+ years. This remarkable Santa Ynez estate is under the same ownership as Napa Valley’s Screaming Eagle winery. While well-known Bordeaux consultant, Michel Rolland, and Screaming Eagle’s winemaker, Andy Erickson, play important roles at Jonata, the people most responsible for the quality of the wines are owners Charles Banks, Stan Kroenke, and winemaker Matt Dees. Jonata’s debut vintage, the 2004s, were somewhat of a work in progress, but the 2005s convincingly established what compelling wines were about to emerge. The 2006s and a handful of 2007 barrel samples I tasted suggest this is one of California’s most exciting new wineries. What they are accomplishing with Bordeaux varietals is mind-boggling. I have included these cuvees since some of the blends include Rhone varietals. Tel. (805) 564-8581

The 2006 El Corazon de Jonata (39% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Sangiovese, and the rest Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Viognier) is a 1,000-case cuvee that will be bottled in a few months. Profound, sexy aromas of smoked duck, soy, blackberries, pepper, and a hint of spring flowers are followed by an exotic, full-bodied, voluptuously textured wine bursting with complexity and richness. A subtle smoky, meaty component is present in the deep, dark blackberry flavors. Long, rich, and pure, this stunning 2006 should drink beautifully for 10-15+ years. This remarkable Santa Ynez estate is under the same ownership as Napa Valley’s Screaming Eagle winery. While well-known Bordeaux consultant, Michel Rolland, and Screaming Eagle’s winemaker, Andy Erickson, play important roles at Jonata, the people most responsible for the quality of the wines are owners Charles Banks, Stan Kroenke, and winemaker Matt Dees. Jonata’s debut vintage, the 2004s, were somewhat of a work in progress, but the 2005s convincingly established what compelling wines were about to emerge. The 2006s and a handful of 2007 barrel samples I tasted suggest this is one of California’s most exciting new wineries. What they are accomplishing with Bordeaux varietals is mind-boggling. I have included these cuvees since some of the blends include Rhone varietals.Tel. (805) 564-8581

The 2005 El Corazon de Jonata (41% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 2% Sauvignon Blanc) is denser, richer, and more perfumed than its 2004 counterpart. The overall impression is one of a sensual/seductive wine boasting an inky/blue/purple color as well as copious amounts of blue, red, and black fruits interwoven with truffle, charcoal, and graphite scents. This full-bodied, powerful 2005 offers both significant flavor authority and elegance. It will last for 15 or more years. It appears 2006 has produced slightly lighter, but high-class wines without the weight and power of the 2005s. The Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Franc are especially noteworthy. The only wine that did not excite me was a non-vintage blend of 81% sweet botrytised Semillon and 19% Sauvignon Blanc. A combination of 2004, 2005, and 2006, the La Miel de Jonata was decidedly monolithic and one-dimensional compared to the other brilliant wines from this spectacular new producer in the Santa Ynez Valley. Fasten your seatbelts as these wines will give purchasers a serious ride for their money! Tel. (805) 564-8581

The 2004 El Corazon de Jonata is an intriguing combination of 61% Syrah, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, and a dollop of Sauvignon Blanc. Aged 19 months in 40% new and 60% two-year old French oak, this sensual, sexy, deep ruby/purple-colored wine does not possess the weight or blockbuster impact of the La Sangre de Jonata or the El Desafio de Jonata. It offers loads of fruit, a big, floral, chocolate, coffee, blackberry, and cassis-scented perfume, and a savory, fleshy style with no hard edges. It should drink nicely for a decade or more. It appears 2006 has produced slightly lighter, but high-class wines without the weight and power of the 2005s. The Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Franc are especially noteworthy. The only wine that did not excite me was a non-vintage blend of 81% sweet botrytised Semillon and 19% Sauvignon Blanc. A combination of 2004, 2005, and 2006, the La Miel de Jonata was decidedly monolithic and one-dimensional compared to the other brilliant wines from this spectacular new producer in the Santa Ynez Valley. Fasten your seatbelts as these wines will give purchasers a serious ride for their money! Tel. (805) 564-8581